Kitchen Ideas for Small Spaces

Here’s how to get to grips with small kitchen spaces

Small kitchen spaces can be both a blessing and a curse. Even the most skilled interior designers often struggle with the challenges they present, particularly when attempting to integrate appliances and create storage. However, with some proper planning and effective use of every centimetre, small kitchens can be even more fun to cook in than large ones. There are a few great tips and tricks to ensure your small space is used to maximum effect. Read on to find the ideas you can integrate into your kitchen.

Go integrated where possibleBuilt-in appliances are right at home in the small kitchen for two important reasons. Firstly, integrated appliances blend seamlessly with kitchen cabinet and worktops to (at least visually) create a larger space. Never underestimate the power of appearances. Secondly, integrated appliances provide the same power and internal capacity as their freestanding counterparts, but without taking up the same amount of physical space. There are a number of appliances specifically design for this purpose – the Grundig GSV 41921 Dishwasher for example. This clever little dishwasher is discreet in more ways than one. Not only is it compact at just 45cm wide, and perfectly suited to a small kitchen, but energy efficient boasting an A++ rating.

Layout Option 1: Opt for U-shapeThe key trait of a U-shaped kitchen is that it’s well-organised to ensure that everything you need is close at hand. With efficiency and practicality at the heart of this layout, it’s obvious why so many small kitchen owners embrace the power of the U. The U-shape kitchen layout fits a considerable amount gear in a tight space – using 3 walls of cabinetry and worktop space. Since this kitchen layout is almost always hugged by 3 walls, you are able to place your appliances exactly where you want them. Connections for utilities like power, gas and water can be run through the walls and behind the cabinets.

Layout Option 2: Go openIf your layout won’t allow a U-shape configuration, consider going open-plan and single-wall. Not only is this a very modern interpretation of a kitchen floorplan, it’s also an effective way of opening up a small space. The single wall kitchen layout is minimal, functional and modern in equal measure. Without walls to separate the kitchen area from the dining area and living area, natural light can spill into the entire space. To maximise your storage space, ensure your cabinets are built right up to the ceiling.

Select the right coloursYou have go light, right? Years of kitchen design wisdom has taught us that to open a small space, we have to go stark white and opt for cooler colours. Not necessarily. Modern interior and kitchen designers have found that they can achieve the same sense of ‘openness’ by going for warm colours – from neutrals, to natural woods, to brighter options. They not only work wonders in small kitchen spaces, but add an airy touch to open plan living spaces. Find out more about how non-cool colours can create more space in a small kitchen.

Create extra storageWhen designing a small, cabinet space is always at a premium. Boosting storage is typically the main objective of small kitchen planning, and every year designer create a variety of interesting ways for us to combat clutter and get organised in even the tightest spaces. Find out how to make the most of every scrap of space with this selection of innovative kitchen cabinets.

With a solid plan of action and effective use of your surroundings, there’s no reason why your small kitchen can’t be big on both style and functionality. Start your jouney by stocking up on our collections of Design Ideas.